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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck
Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation.
Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing.
Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character.
This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. |
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The 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Vieilles Roussanne is from 100% Roussanne. Its medium gold hue is followed by gorgeous nose of honeyed peach, acacia flowers, toasted bread, and white almonds. I love its overall balance, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, seamless, layered mouthfeel, terrific concentration, and outstanding length.
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2024)
More colour than most pure Roussannes, and plenty of intensity from the ripe fruit and generous oak ageing. Full and opulent with a rich pear flavour – very 'Châteauneuvois'. The acidity is quite surprising for the style, and there’s sandalwood, honey and spice into the long finish. A lovely example of a ripe, oaked Roussanne that finishes long and fresh. Grown on limestone soils, half aged in new barriques, half in used ones.
96 points, Matt Walls, Decanter (Jul 2024)
An enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension. Crisp tangerine acidity powers through the opulent palate, rich with apricot, tropical fruit and buttered brioche. Offers the density and complexity to hold up to the oak, while salty mineral notes add savory depth. Chamomile, sun tea and toasted almond detail the long, delicious finish. Drink now through 2030. 450 cases made, 50 cases imported.
94 points, Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator (Mar 2025)
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